Retra Flash Maxi Underwater Strobe

Get Ready for the Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe

A perfect balance of performance and value, the Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe is designed for those entering the world of underwater photography. While it offers the renowned quality and reliability you expect from Retra, this entry-level strobe is tailored to make superior lighting more accessible to a wider audience.

The Retra Maxi is designed to complement Retra's existing range of high-end models, offering an accessible entry point to Retra's renowned performance. Retra's existing professional strobe lineup will continue to set the standard for high-performance underwater lighting, delivering the cutting-edge features and performance that Retra's loyal customers know and trust.

With a Guide Number 46 and an optional built-in 6000-lumen ultra-wide video light, the Retra Maxi is the most powerful underwater strobe and video light combination ever made!

The Retra Maxi delivers GN46 and a color temperature of ~5800K. The optional Wide Angle diffuser provides 160º coverage at ~4500K. This powerful strobe is optimized for GN performance and captures distant subjects with exceptional light output.

In addition to the strobe, the Retra Maxi also features a 6000-lumen video light with a native color temperature of 5000K and a CRI80, providing ultra-wide 110º coverage. Whether shooting stills or video, this strobe and video light combination ensures you have everything you need to capture stunning images in any underwater environment.

Power and Speed Unleashed: The Retra Maxi's Ultimate Performance

The Retra Maxi is powered by two off-the-shelf 21700 6000mAh batteries (NL2160HP), providing more than 550 full-power shots and up to 1 hour of full-power video light output.

With a recycle time of fewer than 2 seconds for a full-power dump and a burst shooting speed of up to 50 frames per second, the Retra Maxi offers exceptional performance at both full and low-power settings.

Night Dive Ready: LED-Illuminated Back Panel for Easy Adjustments

The Retra Maxi features LED illumination on the back panel, providing excellent visibility during night dives. This ensures you can easily read settings, even in low light conditions. The ergonomic dials, with varying lengths and satisfying clicks at each setting, make it intuitive to adjust modes and power levels.

Efficiently Crafted: The Retra Maxi's Refined Housing

The Retra Maxi features a refined, three-part design with an aluminum bayonet and body and a durable plastic back panel for enhanced durability and performance. Weighing 1150g on land (with batteries and mounting ball), the strobe is neutral or slightly buoyant (+/—20g) underwater, offering better control.

Combining Retra's signature design with high performance, the Retra Maxi is user-friendly, making it perfect for both beginners and pros.

Seamless Compatibility: The Retra Maxi's Bayonet Mount

This mount remains consistent across all Retra Flash models, including the new Retra Maxi, allowing you to switch photography styles quickly.

The locking mechanism ensures accessories are securely attached, and it is fully compatible with all existing Retra Flash front-mounted accessories, including diffusers, reduction rings, and more.

Leakage Detection & Prevention

The Retra Maxi is equipped with a pressure relief valve and built-in leakage detection, which alerts you if water enters the battery compartment. You can rest easy knowing the battery compartment is sealed from the rest of the electronics for added protection.

Key features include:

• Built-in leakage detection
• Double O-ring protection
• Waterproof battery compartment
• Circuit protection

Smartphone Connectivity

The Retra Maxi can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth using the Retra UWT App. The app allows you to:

• Install firmware updates
• Select custom user modes
• View basic information (number of flashes, current version, serial number, etc.)
• Access instruction manuals

You can download the Retra UWT app for free on Google Play and the App Store.

Description of modes

• TST: The TST mode lets you check the battery status of your strobe (green, yellow, red, or blinking red). By pressing the pilot/test button, your strobe will fire a test flash at the selected power level, perfect for creative lighting techniques with long exposure.
• M: The M mode delivers a single pulse of light at the selected power level. With 17 power levels, you can fine-tune the illumination strength, giving you precise control over the light output.
• TTL: The Retra Maxi uses your camera's calculations to determine the ideal exposure for the scene through a pre-flash in TTL mode. You can adjust the relative power of the automatic exposure by +/- 4 for finer control.
• HSS: The Retra Maxi emits a long flash pulse, which is essential for HSS photography. You can fine-tune the HSS exposure strength with 17 power levels.
• U: The U mode allows you to personalize your Retra Maxi Strobe experience. Connect your strobe to the Retra UWT App to select your custom user mode. Choose from options like video (optional), Smart SL, Manual Low Power, and more.
• TURN/SOS: If you find yourself in trouble, the Retra Maxi can emit a Morse code SOS signal for help. This mode takes priority and overrides any errors.
• PILOT LIGHT: The Retra Maxi features a central pilot or guide light with two intensity levels. This makes it easy to find the ideal position for your strobes, especially when using a snoot. The pilot light is available in M, TTL, HSS, and select U modes.

Technical Specification

• Guide Number: GN 46
• Light coverage: 160º (with WA diffuser)
• Recycle time: 0.02 - 1.95s
• Flash at full power: 550+
• Color temperature: ~4500K (with WA diffuser)
• Video light output: 6000 Lumen, 110º, Ultra-Wide
• Video light color: CRI80, 5000K
• Operational modes: M, HSS, TTL, SmartSL, LowSL, SOS, and U (user defined)
• Power source: 2x 21700, 6000mAh
• Leakage detection: Yes
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes
• Optical connector: Inon threaded connector / Sea&Sea plug connector
• Bayonet Mount: Classic A1
• Dimensions: Ø108mm x 170mm (Ø4.25in x 6.7in)
• Buoyancy: +/- 20g / 0.7oz
• Weight (2): 1,150g / 2.5lbs